Harden not your hearts

 "LORD, THAT I MAY SEE."

A SHORT COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY ACCORDING TO THE CATHOLIC LECTIONARY.

Gospel

Mark 8:11-13

No sign shall be given to this generation

The Pharisees came up and started a discussion with Jesus;

they demanded of him a sign from heaven,

to test him.

And with a sigh that came straight from the heart

he said, ‘Why does this generation demand a sign?

I tell you solemnly, no sign shall be given to this generation.’

And leaving them again and re-embarking,

he went away to the opposite shore.

 

The Pharisees had hardened their hearts. Whatever Jesus said or did, they would oppose him. They were not sincere in their request. Even if he had done such a stupendous miracle, they would not have accepted if it meant surrendering their wills and lives to him. They wanted him and so God on their terms. Jesus leaves them.

The same goes for us. We cannot have God and salvation on our terms. We are to surrender wholeheartedly to him in humble and sincere obedience. Listen to his voice in the Scriptures and his Church. Then he will not leave us but give us every blessing.

“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as on that day at Massa in the desert…For forty years I was wearied of these people…Then I took an oath…Never shall they enter into my rest.” Ps.95.